Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma

Childhood Roles in Adulthood Connections


Listen Later

In this episode, we explore the survival roles we learned in childhood — and how they continue to shape our adult relationships.


Inspired by the work of Lindsay Gibson, author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, we break down common adaptations like the Caretaker, Achiever, Peacekeeper, Invisible One, Rebel, and Therapist Friend. These roles once helped us feel safe, loved, or accepted — but over time they can lead to burnout, resentment, imbalance, and blocked intimacy.


You’ll hear how over-functioning, conflict avoidance, hyper-independence, emotional suppression, and hyper-awareness develop — and why they aren’t flaws, but intelligent survival strategies.


This episode is an invitation to notice your patterns without judgment, understand the core beliefs underneath them, and begin making small shifts toward deeper, more mutual connection.


Which role feels most familiar to you?


Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @katieostresscoaching

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Stress Mess: Laughing Through TraumaBy Katherine O'Leary